Cech, Vidic, Yaya Toure and RVP are the best in their positions in the Premier League but are any of them good enough to make a World XI? Using Football Manager data, Sportsmail investigates...

Football Manager games are usually a reliable barometer of player ability.

You'll always get the odd anomaly, the 'Cherno Samba' who in the game becomes a superstar but in real life ends up languishing in lower leagues.

But for the most part, Sports Interactive get it spot on. They've let us have a look at the data and we can reveal who the top players are for each position in the Premier League, what the best XI is and who is truly 'world class'.

Top 5 Premier League Keepers

1. Petr Cech2. Joe Hart3. Hugo Lloris4. David De Gea5. Asmir Begovic

No 1: Petr Cech in action for Chelsea

Top keeper: Chelsea's Petr Cech is the best shot stopper, with a particularly impressive jumping reach

Hitman: Robin Van Persie is still one of the most potent attackers in the game

Best XI in the Premier League

GK – Petr Cech (Chelsea)

Cech’s strengths lie in his handling, distribution, reflexes, concentration and consistency. These combined means he not only has the technical attributes of a world class goalkeeper but he almost never makes a mistake which makes him the safest pair of hands in the premier League.

DR – Pablo Zabaleta (Man City)

Zabaleta, unlike some of his counterparts at full-back, does not base his game around pace. Instead, the Argentinian has a more rounded set of attributes. He scores highly on work rate, team work, bravery, determination, stamina and versatility which he combines with good marking, tackling and positioning. He is the classic full-back.

Right back: Manchester City's Argentinian defender Pablo Zabaleta

DC – Nemanja Vidic (Man Utd)

Some say that Vidic is past his peak but David Moyes recently called him the best defender he’s ever worked with. Vidic posseses exceptional technical and mental attributes - in particular his anticipation, positioning, marking and tackling. The physical aspect of his game may have deteriorated over the last couple of seasons but he would still walk into the starting XI of any team in the league.

DC – Vincent Kompany (Man City)

For all of the millions of pounds in transfer fees that Manchester City have paid since 2007, their best signing has been one of their cheapest. Signed for just £6 million in 2008, Kompany’s abundant technical ability and leadership have played a major part in their rise from mid-table to title challengers.

Centre back: Manchester City's Belgian defender Vincent Kompany

DL – Leighton Baines (Everton)

Baines can combine both attack and defence thanks to his all round technical ability combined with high fitness and stamina levels. His passing, tackling and marking are all good while his crossing is up there with the best in the world. Add to this the fact is an accomplished set-piece taker and it is easy to see why he is the best left-back in the country.

Left back: Everton's England defender Leighton Baines

AMR – David Silva (Man City)

He was touted as one of the best midfield talents in when he first arrived at City back in 2010 and David Silva has firmly cemented that reputation over the last few seasons. It’s his excellent close ball control, creativity, flair, technique and agility that make him such a difficult player to defend against. City would struggle to replace him.

MC – Yaya Toure (Man City)

Toure has all of the attributes required for a box-to-box midfielder and he is deservedly regarded as one of the best in the world. The mental and physical aspects of his game are world class with his stamina, work rate, strength and balance all standing out but it’s his passing and finishing that set him apart from the competition. He’s almost as likely to be putting the ball in the net as he is to be making a decisive tackle further down the pitch.

MC – Michael Carrick (Man Utd)

Carrick’s game has improved dramatically over the last 12 months and last season was undoubtedly his best yet. He is a traditional central midfielder with very good passing ability, a deft first touch and can read the game as well as anyone. His presence in midfield was integral to Manchester United’s march to the title.

Central midfield: Man United's England international Michael Carrick

AMC – Sergio Aguero (Man City)

Aguero can stake a claim for the striker’s position in this team but he is equally as adept at playing as a shadow striker. He is a creative, agile and pacey player with excellent off the ball awareness and good passing and shooting ability. His goal tally and importance to City speaks for itself.

When he signed for Chelsea there were questions as to whether he would be able to cut it in the Premier League but over the course of the last year he has proven himself to be one of the best midfielders in the league. His game is based on speed, agility, a good first touch and dribbling skill. He’s still only 22 so expect him to get even better in seasons to come.

Left wing: Chelsea's Belgium forward Eden Hazard

ST – Robin Van Persie (Man Utd)

Last season he proved himself to be, without doubt, the best striker in the Premier League at the moment. It’s not just his goal scoring prowess that earns him that accolade but his entire technical game. His first touch, technique and off the ball awareness are all exceptional and, as long as he stays injury free, he will be challenging for Player of the Year awards again this season.

Best XI – World (4-4-2)

There's only two Premier League player who makes the world XI. There's no place for Petr Cech or Yaya Toure, it's just Robin Van Persie who is left to fly the flag alongside the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.